Gilroy Church Enters the Creation Debate

This weekend Gilroy’s Trinity Bible Church (370-A Tomkins Court) will host a seminar open to the public on the topic of the origin of man and the universe. It will be held Saturday, June 24 (9:30am to 5pm) and Sunday, June 25 (9am, 10:30pm, 5pm). 

This topic is a classic “hot-button” issue, especially as it relates to the teaching of science in the public schools.

Some people say the Bible’s story of creation must be taught, especially as related in the early chapters of Genesis. Others argue that the existence of God cannot be proven and prefer the teaching of theories like “Natural Selection” or “the Big Bang.” 

A widely publicized trial concerning “Intelligent Design” in Pennsylvania recently brought more attention to this controversy. “Evolution Exposed” is described as “a very exciting seminar that will examine the claims of the theory of evolution in light of an objective analysis of the observable universe, reflecting a critical scientific assessment of this controversial topic.”

Presenting this seminar is Manuel Pereira, a research scientist at the Almaden Research Center in San Jose and a Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University. Pereira promises “arguments framed within constructs of scientific evidence that will sincerely challenge the audience to think clearly on their own. Data from many scientific disciplines will be presented:

– astronomy

– biochemistry

– embryology

– genetics

– geology

– paleontology

– radioisotope dating

– typology.

Trinity Bible Church invites all local residents to attend, regardless of personal beliefs on this topic. The seminar is intended to “encourage and equip the creationist, inform and educate the curious, and substantially challenge the evolutionist.” There is no admission charge to attend, child care will be available for all sessions, and lunch will be provided on Saturday. For more information call 842-1220.

Religion is getting some unusual attention on television this month.

– Noted commentator Bill Moyers returns to the airwaves with a new seven-part series entitled “Bill Moyers Faith and Reason.” He will explore the ideas of leading thinkers on “the relationships between religious fundamentalism and democracy, equality and human rights.” Channel 9 will broadcast part one on Friday, June 23 at 9pm, part two on Friday, June 30 at 9pm. Other PBS stations in the Bay Area (channels 22, 54, and 60) will no doubt be carrying it too, so check their listings for other opportunities to view it.

– Many Christian denominations are wrestling with the issue of homosexuality, how to treat gay and lesbian Christians within the context of their church structures and policies. “Turning Points: Stories of Life and Change in the Church” is an award-winning documentary that examines this problem through following the stories of real people.

The series documents four individual experiences that have “changed the perspective of church members” who have grappled with this issue. It encourages viewers to “question preconceived ideas about homosexuality and religion, addressing the complexity of the values involved.”

The first episode will be broadcast on KQED on Sunday, June 25 at 9pm (repeated on Thursday, June 29 at 4am). The remaining episodes will be aired in July.